Ramos wants 'fair and just' punishments for refs

The Merengues defender has responded in kind to his lengthy suspension by speaking of his hope that his suspension will be matched by those given to referees

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has called for equally "fair and just" punishments to be given to referees who get it wrong after he received a five-match ban for foul and abusive language.

The 26-year-old saw red after a second bookable offence, and, according to the referee's report, sent a volley of abuse towards Ayza Gamez and his officials, when leaving the field of play, during Madrid's 4-0 home win over Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey.

But after learning of his suspension, the former Sevilla player has expressed his hope that in future, referees will have to be accountable for their mistakes, too.

"Independently of whether I think it is fair or not, I want to apologise to the coaching staff, my colleagues and the fans," Ramos tweeted.

"I hope that it will be equal in fairness and justice with those given to referees."

Ramos' suspension will force Jose Mourinho to reshuffle his back line that is already suffering from the absence of Pepe, Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo who are all unavailable.